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Blagojevich Won't Testify: Reflecting On The Many Times He Promised He Would (VIDEO, AUDIO)

First Posted: 07/21/10 03:22 PM ET   Updated: 05/25/11 06:10 PM ET

The defense team for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced Wednesday that it was resting its case without calling any witnesses.

Chief among the witnesses expected to testify for the defense was Blago himself. Of course, the governor is under no legal obligation to take the stand in his defense, but for some reason, some folks were under the vague impression that he might do that.

What might have given them that idea? Well, maybe it was the fact that Blagojevich promised he would testify, over and over again, starting just days after his arrest in 2008 and continuing through June of this year.

HuffPost Chicago has collected eight documented cases of the governor saying he would take the stand, including video and audio of those promises. In one case, he gets a particularly prescient question from a caller on a WLS radio show, asking, "Are we going to hear at the last minute, as we hear in many criminal cases, that, 'The government's case is not strong and therefore there's no need for Rod Blagojevich to testify.' Are we going to hear that? Or are you going to testify, Rod?"

His answer: "I'm testifying Sam. And I can't wait to testify."

See for yourself:

Press Conference, 12/19/08
1 of 9
"I intend to answer every allegation that comes my way. However, I intend to answer them in the appropriate forum -- in a court of law. And when I do, I am absolutely certain that I will be vindicated."

(starting at 1:02)
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A real promise

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FOLLOW HUFFPOST CHICAGO

The defense team for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced Wednesday that it was resting its case without calling any witnesses. Chief among the witnesses expected to testify for the def...
The defense team for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced Wednesday that it was resting its case without calling any witnesses. Chief among the witnesses expected to testify for the def...
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01:45 AM on 07/23/2010
Looks like the Prosecutors got "Snookered by B-Rod!!! He's one of those characters that you know is corrupt and silly, but you kind of love him for his clownish behavior and the way he hams it up with everyone. If he is found guilty he will have to serve 415 years. Ouch!! But based on some journalist, there favoring him to beat the rap. Hey, everyone thanks and have a great night.